Making a difference in Gratiot County

On August 2, 2022, Gratiot County residents will be asked to renew the Agriculture and Economic Development millage up to 0.50 mills. One-third of this will provide up to $277,269.04 to continue funding Michigan State University Extension educational programming and services in Gratiot County.

FAQS

How much will the millage cost me?

The millage will cost the homeowner $0.50 for every $1,000 of taxable home value. For example, if you own a $100,000 home, you’ll invest $25 per year in taxes to support the Greater Gratiot Development, Inc. and the educational programming MSU Extension provides for you, your family and your community.

What does a “yes” vote mean and what does a “no” vote mean?

A “yes” vote means that Gratiot County residents will continue to fund MSU Extension programs in your communities.

A “no” vote means that there will be no county funding to match and secure the university’s investment in the century-long partnership that has brought 4-H and the family well-being, gardening, agriculture and environmental educational programs that have benefitted Gratiot County.

What does Gratiot County MSU Extension do for me?

MSU Extension programs can empower everyday family goals, improve business practices and support sustainable community building for you, your family, and your community.

How does Gratiot County funding for MSU Extension work?

MSU Extension is funded by a unique partnership with federal, state and county governments that combine resources to meet the needs of Michigan communities. The Gratiot County government has asked their constituents to fund the county portion of the MSU Extension partnership by renewing the millage on August 2.

What does the ballot language say?

GRATIOT COUNTY AGRICULTURAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL

For the purpose of providing funds to promote agriculture, industry, trade, and tourism interests, and industry, commerce or agriculture economic activities in Gratiot County, including the MSU Extension Services and its 4-H Programs, and the Economic Development Corporation for Gratiot County; shall the Constitutional limitation imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution upon the total amount of taxes which may be assessed in one (1) year upon all property within the County of Gratiot, Michigan, be renewed, and shall the County be authorized to levy, up to 0.5000 mill ($0.50 per $1,000 of Taxable Value) for a period of four (4) years, 2022 through 2025, inclusive?

If approved and levied in full, this millage will raise an estimated $831,807.12 for agricultural and economic development purposes in the first calendar year of the levy based on taxable value. Funds may be distributed to the MSU Extension Services and its 4-H programs, and the Economic Development Corporation for Gratiot County pursuant to contract. The proposed millage is a renewal of a previously authorized millage, a portion of which millage, as required by State law, may be captured by the Downtown Development Authority of the City of St. Louis, the Downtown Development Authority of the City of Alma, and the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority of the County of Gratiot.

YES